November is a crucial annual alternative to pause and mirror on the wealthy cultural heritage, enduring traditions, and profound contributions of America’s indigenous peoples. As a trainer with Apache tribal heritage, I created this checklist of Native American Heritage Month actions to assist fellow educators foster in our college students larger respect, empathy, and appreciation for our nation’s indigenous roots.
Since the US was constructed upon the ancestral lands of numerous tribal nations, it’s essential that we take time to honor their legacy by way of Native American Heritage Month. We are able to present respect to the unique stewards of this land we now all occupy by acknowledging the colourful cultures, perception techniques, and lived experiences of the indigenous individuals who have known as these areas dwelling for millennia.
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What’s Native American Heritage Month?
President George H.W. Bush signed a joint decision in 1990 to designate November as Native American Heritage Month. Throughout this month, all Individuals are invited to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Native communities throughout the nation. This commemoration offers a devoted likelihood to coach ourselves, amplify Native voices, and discover significant methods to assist tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Whether or not it’s attending cultural occasions, studying works by Native authors, or studying about our arts and tradition, that is the time to honor the primary folks of this nation and guarantee their rightful place within the nationwide narrative.
Earlier than You Get Began: Necessary Notice From the Writer
As you have a good time Native American Heritage Month along with your college students, listed below are some essential suggestions for approaching Native traditions and actions with the respect and reverence they deserve.
Respect the depth of Native traditions
As you search to be taught extra in regards to the wealthy cultural heritage of our Native folks by way of Native American Heritage Month actions, it’s essential to method this exploration with a deep sense of respect and reverence. Native tradition isn’t merely costumes or gimmicks to be donned for a fleeting development—they symbolize historic, dwelling traditions which can be profoundly private to our households and our lifestyle. These practices and beliefs have been handed down by way of generations, carrying the burden and knowledge of the ancestors who got here earlier than. They aren’t to be handled evenly or superficially, however reasonably with the understanding that you’re being welcomed right into a world of profound religious and communal significance.
Have interaction with curiosity and humility
When you may have the chance to interact with Native customs, whether or not by way of attending a neighborhood occasion or reaching out to a tribal group, method it with an open coronary heart and thoughts. Moderately than assuming you realize or perceive, be ready to hear and be taught. Ask considerate questions, be receptive to teachings, and take part with real curiosity and humility. Do not forget that these traditions should not mere performances however dwelling, respiratory expressions of identification, connection, and legacy. By doing so, you honor the resilience and perseverance of our folks, who’ve endured centuries of upheaval and but proceed to maintain our lifeways alive.
Search out genuine cultural celebrations and connections
As you navigate this journey of discovery, maintain a watch out for cultural celebrations and gatherings happening in your space. Powwows.com is a superb useful resource for occasions happening all around the Native nation. These occasions provide invaluable alternatives to immerse your self within the sights, sounds, and spirit of Native communities. And if doable, hunt down direct connections with native tribes, who can offer you essentially the most genuine and significant insights into their histories, traditions, and up to date experiences.
Native American Heritage Month Actions
Thanks for taking an curiosity in who we’re and what we’re all about. Have enjoyable and be secure with these Native American Heritage Month actions!
Warrior Up! Energetic Native American Heritage Month Actions
A warrior needs to be robust, skillful, and sharp. There are various methods to coach the thoughts, physique, and spirit. Are your college students keen to place themselves to the check and take part these enjoyable but difficult Native American Heritage Month actions? Come on then, it’s time to warrior up!
1. Hoop Dancing
The Hoop Dance is one among many types of dance that originated as a therapeutic dance. The story tells us that every time the dancer passes by way of their hoop, a day is added onto the lifetime of the sick particular person they’re dancing for. Every little thing from the shapes they create with their the hoops to the number of wooden is rigorously thought of on this sacred dance.
Right now, the dance has grown in reputation and is now practiced all all through the Native nation. Hoop Dance competitions have additionally helped unfold curiosity on this specific dance. The head of the Hoop Dance contests is the World Hoop Dance Competitors hosted by the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. If you’re within the space, that is positively an occasion you’ll wish to expertise!
Watch this video to be taught in regards to the Hoop Dance. Then watch this video for Hoop Dance suggestions to get began.
As a bodily exercise, you should use Hula-Hoops of varied sizes to create your individual shapes and dances. There are many nice powwow songs to hearken to whereas dancing. Search “powwow music” on any music media supply and also you’ll discover heaps to select from.
2. The Arctic Winter Video games
The Arctic is likely one of the harshest environments on the planet. Regardless of the challenges of arctic life, the Inuit folks have survived there for 1000’s of years. A method they keep their power and grit is thru powerful bodily challenges. The Arctic Winter Video games and the World Eskimo-Indian Olympic Video games are two of the most important competitions held within the area.
The Kneel Bounce is an instance of an elite Arctic sport. The problem is designed to show folks easy methods to shortly get to their toes if a predator is close by. Are you and your college students up for the problem? Watch the video above to be taught the story of the Kneel Bounce. Plus take a look at this video to study extra video games within the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics.
3. Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that takes place on a big area. Two groups compete to shoot a small ball into the opposing staff’s purpose. The ball is handed and shot through a picket persist with a small web on the tip. Though the sport has advanced barely, its essence continues to be deeply rooted within the Native tradition by which it originated. This sport was practiced for hundreds of years by our Native folks. The story of its origins holds deep religious which means for the tribes that apply lacrosse. Use the movies posted right here to be taught extra in regards to the sport.
Chances are you’ll wish to undertake fewer bodily guidelines to play at college. For instance, you should use Final Frisbee guidelines, the place an individual can’t run after they have the ball. Due to this fact, they need to move the ball as soon as they catch it. Coordinate along with your P.E. trainer to see what modifications could be made to make sure a enjoyable and secure expertise to your college students.
First, watch the video above to be taught in regards to the origins of lacrosse. Then watch this video to be taught the fundamental guidelines of lacrosse.
4. Clans for the Month
In Native tradition, our tribes are grouped into clans. Every clan consists of quite a few households. Relying in your tribe, it’s possible you’ll determine along with your father’s or your mom’s clan. Every clan is understood for its distinctive traits and is recognized by an animal or factor. For instance, my spouse belongs to the Quechan tribe, one of many many numerous Colorado River tribes. The river was the primary supply of life for her folks and subsequently held nice significance of their each day lives. She belongs to the Muskrat Clan. Muskrats are remarkably adept aquatic creatures, completely tailored to thrive within the dashing currents and tranquil backwaters of the mighty Colorado. Simply because the muskrat is supremely snug navigating the river’s winding channels and submerged banks, so too are the Quechan folks inextricably linked to this life-giving waterway.
Right here’s your likelihood to group your class into clans. As a clan, every group might want to determine which factor or animal represents them. Then, they will design a nameplate that’s displayed throughout class. This month can double as not solely a cultural month however an opportunity for team-building Native American Heritage Month actions and expertise. You may award college students factors for exhibiting exemplary traits as a clan all through the month. The clan with essentially the most factors on the finish of the month wins.
Earlier than you get began, watch the video above about clan construction and objective.
Style of Custom: Native American Meals
In Native tradition, meals is greater than one thing we eat. Meals is a manner to connect with our ancestors. It’s the drugs of the land. Meals is our connection to our Mom Earth and our Creator. Meals teaches us and reminds us of our place within the sacred hoop of life. Be a part of us for some conventional dishes as you mirror by yourself household recipes and what they imply to you.
5. Acorn Cookies
Have you ever ever had the pleasure of mountaineering by way of a lovely oak grove on a cool fall afternoon? In that case, you in all probability observed the forest flooring was plagued by acorns. These particular seeds had been a staple of many California Native tribes just like the Miwok, the Ohlone, and the Kumeyaay to call just a few. Acorns are stuffed with scrumptious vitamins which can be essential to our well being. Stopping free radicals from forming in your physique and lowering swelling are simply among the advantages present in acorn consumption. If ready appropriately, additionally they make a scrumptious, nutritious Native deal with: cookies!
Watch the video above to discover ways to make them. Plus, take a look at this video for a contemporary tackle conventional meals practices.
6. Corn Bread
Is meals extra than simply one thing we eat? May meals even be drugs? Typically we consult with our conventional meals as “good drugs” as a result of it retains our our bodies in steadiness, robust, and wholesome. One such meals is corn, which is taken into account a sacred meals in our Native tradition as it’s utilized in many ceremonies. You need to use each a part of the corn. For instance, corn pollen is used as a prayer powder within the Apache Dawn Ceremony.
First, watch this video with an instance of corn creation tales which can be instructed by our completely different tribes in regards to the origin of corn. Then watch the video above for a recipe that explains easy methods to make corn bread from scratch. You may as well watch this video about easy methods to make corn bread with out grinding. Lastly, take a look at this video about tribes working collectively to heal by way of the replenishing of their conventional weight loss plan.
Collectively as a category, benefit from the course of of creating your individual corn dish. From measuring, mixing, and baking, you and your college students could have a beautiful expertise. In the event you’re feeling courageous, seize a molcajete and have the scholars grind some corn kernels by hand.
7. Wojapi
As we enter the month of November, I’m positive you’re solely midway by way of your Halloween sweet. However do you know that nature has sweet too? Sure, it’s true. I’m speaking about nature’s berries and fruit, after all. A lot of tribes spend time gathering the native berries and getting ready them in numerous kinds of dishes. Wojapi is a Lakota-style dish ready from the berries that develop of their conventional lands that after ranged from North and South Dakota and into some neighboring states. Keep in mind, earlier than the colonies had been fashioned on the East Coast, land was not divided by states however reasonably divided by geographic options and looking territories.
Are you prepared to collect some berries and put together a scrumptious meal? Watch the video above to be taught to make wojapi with our Lakota elder.
8. Potlatch
Potlucks are very talked-about methods to have a good time the harvest season in November. As Native folks, we even have many gatherings centered across the sharing of meals. One such gathering is the potlatch. Potlatch is a Nuu-chah-nulth phrase meaning “reward” or “to provide.” Historically the host tribe ensures that all the company are supplied with an assortment of presents, meals, and leisure. Creating good reminiscences and good emotions is a cornerstone of our Native tradition.
Now it’s your flip to host a potlatch. Collectively, plan the meals, leisure, and presents you’ll change with one other class. Chances are you’ll wish to use among the meals and artwork concepts from this text. This could be a good way to finish Native American Heritage Month in a grand vogue, however be happy to carry your potlatch at a time that most closely fits you.
To get began, watch the video above as a short intro to the potlatch.
Get Cozy: Quiet Cultural Native American Heritage Month Actions
Through the 1800s, tribal leaders met with the US to debate the brand new legal guidelines of the land. When United States officers and officers met with tribal leaders, they’d generally meet a number of occasions over the course of some days. The officers and officers had been usually impressed by how quietly and attentively our Native leaders listened, particularly after they realized that the tribal leaders might recall every little thing that was mentioned over the course of the entire assembly regardless of by no means having written something down. Native tradition consists of oral custom as an alternative of writing. Elders and adults move down classes by way of tales and songs to the youngsters. Being listener is a lifestyle, not only a ability to assist us at school. Listed here are some quieter Native American Heritage Month actions that assist discover our Native tradition.
9. Pony Bead Corn
As you realized earlier on this article, meals is sacred, and within the Southwest, corn is that meals. Right now, we are able to make a lovely murals to honor the corn plant. Pony beads are the primary materials for this artwork mission. Not like corn, pony beads weren’t native to this land—they had been introduced over within the 1800s by European settlers as a method to commerce with the Native folks. You’ll discover pony beads and seed beads in multitudes of our conventional clothes and jewellery.
You may be taught extra in regards to the introduction of glass beads on this continent by clicking on the hyperlink under. Let’s see what varieties of lovely corn will come out of your college students!
Study extra in regards to the historical past of pony beads in America right here.
10. Household Tree
November is the month by which we have a good time Native American heritage, however it’s additionally the month of Thanksgiving, a cherished vacation after we spend time with family members and provides thanks for our blessings. Household lineage is a crucial a part of our Native tradition and is commonly offered when chatting with an viewers or when introducing ourselves. Our lineage helps determine who we’re, who we’re associated to, and the place we come from.
What a beautiful time to mirror by yourself household. Utilizing these household tree templates, college students can assemble a household tree as you be taught extra about the place they arrive from and the distinctive heritage of their household lineage.
11. Inventive Writing
All Native folks love listening to story by the nice and cozy firelight. We’ve got tales about every little thing on this earth. From the tiny ant to the primary fireplace to the celebs within the sky, we have now tales about how all of them got here to be.
First discover a few of these magnificent tales of the Choctaw Nation. Whenever you’re completed exploring, it’s time for college students to put in writing their very own story. Utilizing artistic writing, have them describe how issues got here to be of their pure atmosphere. Let their imaginations run wild with this one. Then collect collectively for some authentic storytelling as they share their writing with friends.
12. Learn a Guide
Books have the facility to take us on unimaginable journeys and open our eyes to completely different views. Native American tales, whether or not handed down by way of generations or shared in trendy works, provide a singular window into the wealthy cultures, traditions, and histories of indigenous peoples.
Begin by exploring this checklist of Native American books, every one crammed with significant tales that mirror the various experiences of indigenous communities. As you learn, ask college students to consider the teachings, characters, and themes that resonate with them. Whenever you’re completed studying, have college students talk about the tales and share what impressed or moved them.
Get Artful: Native American Heritage Month Crafts
Our symbols, colours, and designs all inform a narrative about who we’re and the place we come from. Do you may have a narrative to inform? What is going to your artwork say about you? Let’s dive into some enjoyable art-focused Native American Heritage Month actions!
13. Clay Pottery
As you discover the tribes throughout this nation, you can see many types of clay pottery. Clay is a pure substance discovered within the earth, often close to water. When clay is ready appropriately, it may be baked in an oven to harden and protect the structural integrity of the vessel it has been fashioned into.
Try these nice movies to witness the magical technique of bringing a bit of pottery to life. The video above is about Piipaash pottery, and the one under is about Catawba pottery of the previous and right now.
Whenever you’re completed, seize some clay and have your college students begin making their very own pottery. What designs will you add? What colours and symbols maintain which means to you? You may host a pottery artwork present when you’re completed.
14. Turtle Island Crafts
The time period “Turtle Island” is used all all through the Native nation. It’s how we describe the North American continent. Oddly sufficient, while you take a look at a map of the continent, it resembles a turtle. Right here’s the bizarre half although: The story of Turtle Island is older than any historic map. So how did we all know?
Contemplate that concept as you create a enjoyable Turtle Island craft. First watch this video to listen to the Ojibwe story of Turtle Island. Then watch both the Pipe Cleaner Turtle Craft video above or this video with a paper plate turtle tutorial.
15. Native American Designs
When exploring the artwork and tradition of our Native folks, you’ll see an array of lovely designs and colours masterfully composed in numerous mediums. One thing to contemplate, although, is that all the colours, symbols, and designs have meanings and historic worth. For instance, usually the colour blue represents the water of a nation. Typically the colour pink can symbolize the blood of our folks.
You may be taught extra about among the numerous symbols and designs of our folks by way of the video above about Navajo symbolism, in addition to this video about horse portray and this video on beadwork symbols.
Then, ask college students to consider their very own designs, colours, and symbols. How will they symbolize themselves, their household, and their group?
16. Cave Portray
There are few artistic endeavors that may take us deeper into the previous than cave work. Some cave work are estimated to be 1000’s of years outdated! What did the artists intend to speak by way of their work and markings? Are you able to decipher the meanings? What would you wish to inform folks sooner or later about your present era, your present world?
Try the video above about Panel Rock in Utah. Then watch this cave artwork video with artistic concepts. Lastly, get your supplies prepared for college students to create their very own cave portray.
17. Cardboard Roll Canoe
A canoe is a vital vessel for coastal tribes that navigate the waters of their homelands. Tribal elders and leaders of the group educate the youth canoe-making as a religious course of. A few of these conventional practices turned uncommon, even extinct. Fortunately, some tribes are reviving the apply of birchbark canoe-making.
First watch the video above to see how this tribe makes their conventional birchbark canoes. Then discover ways to make your individual canoe craft out of cardboard rolls.
18. Fall Leaf Dwelling
Many Native tribes all through historical past have skillfully utilized the pure assets discovered of their surrounding environments to assemble their dwellings and shelters. For instance, woodland tribes used logs and bushes to assemble longhouses. Alternatively, tribes inhabiting extra arid, desert-like areas used clay, adobe bricks, and different pliable earth-based components to construct their houses, which helped insulate them in opposition to intense warmth. Regardless of the particular panorama, our Native folks possessed an intimate understanding of the ecosystems and will sustainably harvest the pure supplies at hand to satisfy our important housing wants.
Can your college students collect out of your native atmosphere in a sustainable technique to craft their very own miniature dwelling? Begin by watching this video on Native American dwellings. Then watch the video above to discover ways to make a DIY Native dwelling.
19. Kachina Dolls
Kachinas are highly effective religious beings which have existed with the Hopi folks because the starting of time. They’ve taught the Hopi about ceremonies and methods of life, and out of gratitude, the Hopi folks honor the kachina with songs, dances, and kachina dolls. Every kachina is exclusive and has a reputation and a selected objective. For instance, Crow Mom is the guardian of the youngsters. You and your class can be taught extra about kachinas from the movies under.
Your college students can create their very own tales and dolls to symbolize them, or they will attempt to create a model of an current kachina. First, watch this video on the Kachina beliefs. Then watch this video on engaged on Kachina artwork. Lastly, watch the video above to study Kachina dolls for sophistication.
20. Speaking Stick
The speaking stick is a superb addition to any classroom. Tribes have been utilizing the speaking stick for generations. As a democratic society, we believed in letting all of our leaders converse in our lodges. Large selections had been mentioned and agreed upon by the entire tribe, and on this manner, we remained shut collectively, unified in our actions.
A speaking stick ought to symbolize the folks. In the event you’re creating one to your class, first watch the video above to be taught extra about speaking stick utilization. Then you may invite college students to herald a small trinket to tie onto the stick. Different choices could embrace coloured beads, or paint that every youngster chooses. This fashion when the speaker is holding the speaking stick, they’re holding the eye and good intentions of all of the individuals who contributed to it. Chances are you’ll wish to attempt the speaking stick in your class discussions. Let’s see how the speaking stick can affect your classroom.
21. Huichol Bead Artwork
Upon first setting eyes on Huichol bead artwork, you’ll certainly be drawn in by its advanced, intricate designs and vibrant colours. However in the event you ask the artist in regards to the which means, you’ll be much more intrigued as you be taught that every shade and design holds a selected which means.
Study extra by watching the above video as an introduction to Huichol bead artwork, with details about designs and meanings. Then, head to your native artwork provide retailer or log on to buy quite a lot of beads for use in your individual Huichol-inspired artwork. You may ask college students to herald an object that will probably be lined and adorned with the beads, or they will merely compose the design on paper. Don’t overlook your glue!
22. Totem Poles
The long-lasting totem pole has lengthy been seen in American tradition, however can we really perceive its historic which means and significance to the folks? Totem poles are used to symbolize households and their historical past. Every clan or household is represented by numerous components and animals. The household lineage is then instructed by stacking these components and animals on the totem pole. This lovely custom continues to be practiced right now.
Begin by watching this video on totem poles right now. Then watch the video above with totem pole concepts, so your class can begin making your individual totem tales.
23. Backyard Planting
In the event you’ve ever pushed by an agricultural area, you undoubtedly observed rows and rows of the identical crop. For instance, you would possibly see a whole lot of heads of lettuce when passing by way of the sector in Yuma, Arizona, or a whole lot of rows of strawberries when cruising by way of lovely Watsonville, California. Differing from this apply, native agriculture makes use of numerous seeds in the identical rising house. That is known as companion planting as a result of the crops assist one another as they develop collectively.
The Three Sisters is a well-known instance of this mannequin of rising. How fantastic wouldn’t it be to begin a small backyard at your college? The Three Sisters Backyard is a straightforward, enjoyable technique to begin. Simply ensure you’re planning for the right rising season. Often, the Three Sisters—squash, corn, and beans—should be planted within the spring. Nevertheless, this generally is a nice time to attract a blueprint of your backyard and begin campaigning for donations, whereas additionally getting ready the bottom and constructing your gardening staff.
Watch this video in regards to the Three Sisters Backyard to get began.
24. Beautify With Inspirational Quotes and Photographs
You don’t should go to a museum to see photographs of Native Individuals or to learn their inspiring phrases. You may flip your college hallways right into a museum expertise by printing our photographs and quotes of well-known Native Individuals and hanging them within the halls. College students will probably be impressed because the hallways come to life and converse into their lives with phrases of encouragement and knowledge.
